Here's first day of 40 Days For Life campaign. i will try to post them on a daily basis again if anyone's interrested
Today we begin a 40-day journey of prayer, fasting,
vigil and outreach in 238 locations around North America
... and beyond.
As we start, I recall the first 40 Days for Life effort
six years ago in Bryan/College Station, Texas. As we
prayed for God's guidance on what to do about the
evil of abortion in our community, we were reminded of
how God has used 40-day periods of time in order to
bring about transformation and conversion.
We were reminded of Noah and 40 days in the flood, of
Moses on the mountain, of Jesus and in the desert. When
God repeats himself, He does so for a reason.
The message of 40 days is simple, yet profound.
I'd like to share some of the online comments I've read,
from people just like you, who are speaking from their
hearts about the mission that begins today:
* "I got involved in the movement last fall, following
the example of an online friend. I had heard about
it before but was uncertain, and a little scared...
However, as I discovered it is a beautiful way to
do something positive, and help save lives."
* "I have committed to standing in front of our local
Planned Parenthood office for one hour each week for
the 40 days... I will ask you, my friends, to pray
for the end of abortion, and for me, as I step out
of my comfort zone, and get involved in a cause I
believe in, the end of abortion."
* "Please consider helping out with this effort. It is
an amazing ministry that has produced real results
in our community and across the country."
If you have a few minutes, listen to this audio clip
from our local leaders. It will remind you of what's
at stake and why it's important for YOU to pray and act.
It features local campaign leaders, representing these
40 Days for Life locations:
* Charlotte, North Carolina
* Toledo, Ohio
* Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
* Adelaide, Australia
* Columbia, Missouri
* Shreveport, Louisiana
* Indianapolis, Indiana
Click here to listen:
DAY 1: 40 days and 40 nights | 40 Days for Life
Be sure to listen to the entire 13 minutes. You'll
be rewarded by hearing the story of the "wrong
number" phone call that saved a baby's life!
As we begin this 40 Days for Life, I'll be stopping
today in Green Bay, Appleton and Madison, Wisconsin.
If you're able to come out to the vigil today -- in
Wisconsin or WHEREVER you are -- you'll be blessed
abundantly.
Here's today's devotional from David Brandao, the
communications director for 40 Days for Life...
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DAY 1 INTENTION
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That we may use these 40 Days for Life to plead for
God's mercy and grace upon all those involved in the
sin of abortion.
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SCRIPTURE
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Blow the trumpet in Zion! Proclaim a fast, call an
assembly. Gather the people, notify the congregation.
Assemble the elders; gather the children and the
infants at the breast... Let the priests, the
ministers of the Lord, weep and say, "Spare, O Lord,
your people."
-- Joel 2:15-17
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REFLECTION by David Brandao, 40 Days for Life
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The toll of abortion cannot be measured. We hear
estimates of almost 50 million innocent victims, but
that's only one aspect of the harm that has unfolded
in abortion's wake. There are also the mothers and
fathers of these millions, as well as the
grandparents, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles,
cousins. Unborn lives destroyed. Lives of the living
shattered.
It's overwhelming and depressing, but even in the
midst of such unfathomable darkness, the church
teaches us to have hope. Yes, it was indeed Calvary
that followed Christ's 40 days in the desert, but
without Calvary there would have been no Resurrection
-- His victory over death that opened the gates of
heaven to those who believe in and follow Him.
The psalmist encourages us to go humbly before God as
we seek His will: "A clean heart create for me, O
God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me... Give
me back the joy of your salvation and a willing
spirit sustain in me... O Lord, open my lips, and my
mouth shall proclaim your praise" (Psalm 51:12, 14, 17).
We are called to be God's messengers; or as the
Apostle Paul told the Corinthians: "We are
ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing
through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: be
reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20).
That is the true message to all we encounter at the
abortion centers and in our communities who have been
deceived by the Culture of Death. We don't bring
condemnation; we bring God's good news.
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PRAYER
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Lord, we ask for the strength, courage, wisdom,
determination and stamina to carry out this mission
according to Your will.
Guide us, we pray, as we go forth and proclaim Your
truth, always doing so with a spirit of love and
compassion, as was demonstrated to us by Your Son,
Jesus Christ. In His name we pray, Amen.
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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
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To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2010day01print.pdf
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For Life,
Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life